baffling

1 of 2

adjective

baf·​fling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffling (audio)
Synonyms of baffling
: extremely confusing or difficult to understand
a baffling decision
found the directions utterly baffling
bafflingly adverb
a bafflingly complex explanation

baffling

2 of 2

present participle of baffle entry 1

Examples of baffling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The Carolina Panthers endured a baffling, frustrating, never-truly-in-it four quarters of football against the Tamp Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in Bank of America Stadium. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 This flurry of baffling activity makes sense only when seen through the US political prism. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 To our eyes, his eminence is baffling, but Capra got the point. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Of course, his recognition of the visceral power of live music and directly connecting with an audience makes his indifference to AI all the more baffling. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for baffling

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffling was in 1783

Browse Nearby Words

baffler
baffling
baffling wind
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Baffling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffling. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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